According to eyewitness reports, on Sunday a blue light convoy that included a SAPS vehicle was seen transporting ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema.

The convoy was spotted travelling at high speed on the N1/Polokwane road towards Johannesburg with sirens blaring.

I will today be submitting parliamentary questions to the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, to determine:

Whether SAPS personnel were involved in escorting Julius Malema at the time and place reported by eyewitnesses;
If so, why Julius Malema is deemed eligible for police protection given that he holds no ministerial office;
If not, whether the Minister will investigate what appears to be a civilian impersonating a law enforcement official.

As this would not be the first time that the SAPS has afforded Julius Malema preferential treatment, it needs to be corroborated by the Ministry.

In 2009 he was granted VIP protection at a cost of R300,000 a month to the state. Last year, SAPS officers removed rival delegates at a Limpopo ANC Youth League rally on Malema’s orders.

Where the DA governs, we have taken steps to address the abuse of blue light convoys. In the DA-run Western Cape, all blue lights have been removed from ministerial vehicles. Before the end of the year, a draft memorandum will come before the provincial cabinet to approve the adoption of regulations under the existing Western Cape Road Traffic Act. This will empower the Provincial Minister of Transport to make regulations on the use of blue lights and sirens in the Western Cape.

Allowing a politically connected individual to abuse SAPS resources sets a dangerous precedent. It reinforces the perception that there is one set of rules for the political elite, and another for everyone else.

The SAPS is tasked with ensuring the safety of the South African people, and providing protection for certain high-ranking members of government. Minister Mthethwa must explain in full why police resources are being abused by the ANC Youth League.